Find Buddhist Spots
A connection with a Buddha image may appear unexpectedly. Search for places that may lead you to your own My Buddha.
Senju Kannon Hall (Hasama Kannon)
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
福岡県豊前市大字挾間1244
Visiting Status Unveiled on the 17th of each month (advance arrangements required on other days)
GentlenessPeacefulnessDepth
This standing wooden Thousand-Armed Kannon in Hasama, Buzen City, is an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Believed to date to the late Heian period, it measures about 211.2 cm in height and is carved from a single camphorwood trunk. Its small head, rounded body and gentle, youthful face are distinctive; the subsidiary arms are carved in low relief on a fan-shaped panel. Traditionally the principal image of Iwayasan Sensuiji, it is also called the 'Milk Kannon' after a legend about water emerging from the rock wall behind it. Still venerated today, the statue is unveiled monthly on the 17th.
Kaidanin Temple
Buddhist Image Rushana Buddha Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
福岡県太宰府市観世音寺5丁目7-10
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (Main Hall visits 9:00–16:00; admission ¥500)
PeacefulnessNobilityStillness
Kaidanin was established in 761, during the Nara period, as a center for ordaining Buddhist clergy in western Japan, one of the country's three historic ordination platforms. Its principal wooden seated Rushana Buddha dates to around the middle of the 12th century, in the late Heian period, and is an Important Cultural Property of Japan. About 149 cm tall and made from joined Japanese cypress, the statue has a full, serene face and softly flowing robes. Both hands are unusually raised before the chest with the palms open. Visitors can contemplate the statue in the Main Hall, but advance booking is required.
Engakuji Temple (Hakata)
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
福岡県福岡市博多区御供所町13-11
Visiting Status Temple grounds open 9:00–17:00 daily; confirm in advance whether the principal image can be viewed inside the hall
PeacefulnessDepthStillness
Engakuji, a Zen temple in historic Hakata, preserves a wooden seated Amida Nyorai dating to the 10th century, during the Heian period. Most of the figure is carved from a single piece of wood and finished with lacquer, gold leaf and pigment. Its downcast eyes, faintly smiling expression, full-bodied form and deeply carved robe folds are distinctive. Founded around 1246, the temple continues traditions of Zen and tea ceremony, while devotion to its Amida Buddha remains central.
Chinkokuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Migawari Fudo Myo-o Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
福岡県宗像市吉田966
Visiting Status Hidden image unveiled annually on April 28 (opening ceremony from 9:30)
DignityMysteryTense Presence
This hidden wooden standing Migawari Fudo Myoo is enshrined in Chinkokuji's Goma Hall in Munakata. Believed to date from the late Heian period, it stands 108 cm tall, is carved from a single Japanese cypress trunk and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Although Fudo Myoo is a wrathful deity, the sculpture shows the gentler modeling characteristic of the period. Normally kept inside a shrine cabinet, it is unveiled every April 28, when the temple also holds its fire-walking goma ritual to pray for health and protection.
Chinkokuji Temple
Buddhist Image Five Images (Yakushi, Dainichi, Shaka and Amida Nyorai; Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu) Category Tathagata / Bodhisattva
福岡県宗像市吉田966
Visiting Status Normally viewable inside the Main Hall sanctuary (confirm changes during temple events)
SolemnityDepthPeacefulness
Chinkokuji's Main Hall is called the Five Buddha Hall because it houses images of Yakushi Nyorai, Dainichi Nyorai, Shaka Nyorai, Amida Nyorai and Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu. All five are designated cultural properties of Fukuoka Prefecture. The present hall was rebuilt in 1650 by the Fukuoka domain lord Kuroda Tadayuki. According to the temple, visitors may enter the inner sanctuary and view the statues close at hand. It is a rewarding place to compare different Buddhist images in one worship space.
Fumonin Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
福岡県朝倉市杷木志波5376
Visiting Status Advance telephone confirmation required (Main Hall visits 9:00–17:00; admission ¥300)
RefinementStillnessDepth
The wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon enshrined in the Main Hall of Fumonin in Asakura is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The image dates to the Heian period and is traditionally attributed to the monk Gyoki, though the attribution is not established. The hall, rebuilt in the late Kamakura period, is among the oldest surviving wooden Buddhist halls in Fukuoka Prefecture and is itself an Important Cultural Property. Tradition dates the temple's founding by Gyoki to 747. Visitors can appreciate both the historic building and its principal statue, but should telephone before entering the hall.
Nanrinji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
福岡県朝倉市宮野86
Visiting Status Hidden image unveiled during the service on the second Sunday of January and all day on April 8
PeacefulnessMysteryDepth
Nanrinji in Asakura enshrines a wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai, designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Yakushi is revered for relieving illness. Temple tradition attributes the statue to Saicho, but this is a traditional account rather than a confirmed identification of its maker. Ritual prayers continue at this Shingon Daikakuji-school temple. The principal image is revealed during the first goma ceremony on the second Sunday of January and for the flower festival on April 8. On April 8 it is unveiled all day and visitors are offered sweet tea.
Satani Kenshoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
福岡県糟屋郡須恵町大字佐谷629-2
Visiting Status Normally closed; unveiled on the first Sunday of April each year
GentlenessRefinementMystery
The wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon at Satani Kenshoji Temple's Kannon Hall in Sue Town is believed to date to the late Heian period. About 175 cm tall and made from joined Japanese cypress, it bears a Buddha face at the crown and ten Bodhisattva faces around it. Its rounded cheeks, small nose and lips give it a gentle expression. Tradition attributes the sculpture to Saicho, but the artist has not been established. Restored in 1954, it is designated a cultural property of Fukuoka Prefecture. Worshippers can see it only during the annual opening on the first Sunday of April.
Fukuoka Art Museum
Buddhist Image Buddhist Sculptures from Tokoin Temple (Seated Yakushi Nyorai, Twelve Divine Generals and others) Category Tathagata / Deva
福岡県福岡市中央区大濠公園1-6
Visiting Status Buddhist sculptures on view in 'Buddhas of Tokoin' (April 1, 2026–March 31, 2027; 9:30–17:30, until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays from July to October; closed Mondays; works rotate)
DepthSolemnityStillness
The Tokoin Buddhist Art Gallery at Fukuoka Art Museum presents wooden Buddhist sculptures formerly preserved at Yakuomitsuji Tokoin in Yoshizuka, Hakata. The collection includes a seated wooden Yakushi Nyorai and statues of the Twelve Divine Generals designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, giving visitors an opportunity to view significant Buddhist carvings. The gallery allows close attention to differences in the forms and expressions of sculptures from the Heian and Kamakura periods. Works rotate in the 2026–27 exhibition, so visitors seeking a particular statue should check the exhibition checklist and display dates.
Nomiyama Kannonji Temple
Buddhist Image Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
福岡県糟屋郡篠栗町萩尾227-4
Visiting Status Hidden image unveiled during the autumn festival. In 2026, interior viewing followed the October 18 service until 14:00; confirm dates for subsequent years.
MysterySolemnityStillness
Nomiyama Kannonji is Temple No. 16 of the Sasaguri Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage and belongs to the Koyasan Shingon tradition. Affectionately known as 'Nomiyama-san,' it enshrines the hidden Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Kannon as its principal image. The statue cannot normally be viewed directly, but visitors may enter the inner sanctuary during the autumn unveiling service. In 2026, interior viewing was offered after the October 18 ceremony until 2 p.m. Daily goma prayers remain central to the temple, whose extensive grounds also contain numerous memorial Jizo statues for children.
Chokokuji Temple (Hase Kannon)
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon (Hase Kannon) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
福岡県鞍手郡鞍手町長谷552
Visiting Status Hidden image reportedly unveiled on the 17th and 18th of each month. Spring festival: April 17–18; autumn festival: October 17–18. Confirm before visiting.
RefinementNobilityMystery
Chokokuji in Kurate Town preserves a wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon from the Heian period. A local sculptor may have made it around the early 11th century, but its maker is unconfirmed. Carved from one camphorwood trunk from the head down to the lotus seat, it is accompanied by a painted wooden halo. Its elongated face and intense gaze are distinctive. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1904, the image was once unveiled only once every 33 years. It is now presented at the spring and autumn festivals and is also reported to be unveiled on the 17th and 18th of each month.
Kanzeonji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon (made in 1069) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
福岡県太宰府市観世音寺5丁目6-1
Visiting Status Normally viewable in the Treasure House (9:00–17:00, last admission 16:30; confirm changes due to restoration or temporary closures)
SolemnityNobilityPeacefulness
The Treasure House of Kanzeonji contains an imposing wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon, approximately 4.98 m tall. An inscription dates its creation to 1069 and identifies the master sculptor Kai Koshi Senmyo. Made from joined Japanese cypress, its rounded cheeks, gentle expression and flowing drapery distinguish this monumental figure. It is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan and represents the rebuilding of Kanzeonji's images after the devastating fire of 1064. It commands attention even among the other exceptionally large statues in the Treasure House.
Kanzeonji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Daikokuten Category Tenbu (Deva)
福岡県太宰府市観世音寺5丁目6-1
Visiting Status Normally viewable in the Treasure House (9:00–17:00, last admission 16:30; confirm changes due to restoration or temporary closures)
DepthDignityMystery
Kanzeonji's Treasure House contains a wooden standing Daikokuten from the late Heian period. Approximately 172 cm tall and carved from one camphorwood trunk, it is an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Unlike today's familiar smiling Daikoku, this image frowns severely, leans slightly forward and grasps a sack carried over its back with the left hand. The carving preserves traces of Daikokuten's older identity as a fierce warrior deity while showing a transition toward a god of abundance. It is an exceptionally old and large surviving example.
Kanzeonji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Kisshoten Category Tenbu (Deva)
福岡県太宰府市観世音寺5丁目6-1
Visiting Status Normally viewable in the Treasure House (9:00–17:00, last admission 16:30; confirm changes due to restoration or temporary closures)
NobilityRefinementPeacefulness
Kanzeonji's Treasure House holds a wooden standing Kisshoten from around the late Heian period to the early 12th century. At 215.5 cm tall, it is among Japan's largest surviving images of the goddess, made from joined camphorwood and designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Its relaxed, upright pose, gently simplified robe folds and calm face form a harmonious composition. The larger-than-life image of the goddess associated with good fortune conveys a quiet nobility distinct from the fierce guardian figures nearby.
Kaigenji Temple
Buddhist Image Enma Daio (King of the Underworld) Category Other
福岡県福岡市博多区中呉服町10-5
Visiting Status Normally viewable in Enma Hall (gates open 8:30–17:30)
DignityMysteryTense Presence
Kaigenji, a Jodo Buddhist temple in Hakata, enshrines a statue of Enma Daio in its Enma Hall. The figure's stern expression reflects Enma's role as judge of the dead, and the image remains a focus of devotion in Hakata. According to temple tradition, a spear-bearer named Genshichi brought the statue's head from Kyoto; the image was transferred to Kaigenji in 1680. The hall was rebuilt in 2016 and visitors may now view the figure freely. Enma festivals are held each year on January 16 and August 16, when konjac is offered.
Nehoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Kongo Rikishi (Agyo and Ungyo) Category Tenbu (Deva)
福岡県豊前市大字山内991
Visiting Status Viewable at the temple gate at all times (outdoors; prefectural cultural-property database confirms permanent public access)
PowerDignityRefinement
Two wooden guardian figures, Agyo and Ungyo, stand at the gate of Nehoji, an Obaku Zen temple in Buzen. The figures measure 281 cm and 280 cm respectively, are carved from single Japanese cypress trunks and are believed to date to the late Heian period. Rather than exaggerating muscular strength, they stand in calm, expansive poses. A wooden tablet found inside records repairs carried out in 1707. Rare surviving Heian-period Nio sculptures, both are designated tangible cultural properties of Fukuoka Prefecture and can be viewed directly at the outdoor gate.
Raizan Sennyoji Daihioin Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Jikokuten and Tamonten Statues Category Tenbu (Deva)
福岡県糸島市雷山626
Visiting Status Viewable year-round in Kannon Hall (reception 9:00–16:30; adult admission ¥500; changes possible for ceremonies or weather)
PowerDignitySolemnity
In the Kannon Hall of Raizan Sennyoji Daihioin, standing wooden statues of Jikokuten and Tamonten guard the enormous principal Thousand-Armed Kannon on either side. Both are attributed to the 14th century, during the Kamakura period, and are designated tangible cultural properties of Fukuoka Prefecture. Jikokuten, guardian of the east, has a fierce expression and stands on a demon. Tamonten wears a helmet and armor yet conveys a more restrained, inward strength. Visitors can compare these guardian deities with the main Kannon in the same hall, with explanations provided by temple monks.
Kaigenji Temple
Buddhist Image Images of the Thirty-Three Kannon of the Saigoku Pilgrimage Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
福岡県福岡市博多区中呉服町10-5
Visiting Status Normally viewable in Kannon Hall (gates open 8:30–17:30)
WarmthPeacefulnessStillness
Kaigenji's Kannon Hall in Hakata houses images representing the Thirty-Three Kannon of the Saigoku Pilgrimage. Temple tradition says Yasaji, a resident of Nakagofukumachi devoted to Kannon, proposed enshrining copies of the images from all thirty-three pilgrimage temples so that people unable to travel the distant route could worship them in one place. Kannon Hall and the adjacent Enma Hall were rebuilt in 2016. Visitors can pray before all thirty-three images and learn about the history of Kannon devotion and pilgrimage. The hall is ordinarily open to visitors.
Daienji Temple
Buddhist Image Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
福岡県福岡市中央区唐人町3丁目10-9
Visiting Status Normally viewable in the Main Hall (9:00–18:00; open for worship throughout the year)
SolemnityPeacefulnessNobility
Daienji, a Jodo Buddhist temple in Tojinmachi, enshrines a wooden seated Amida Nyorai measuring 4.85 m in total height. The sculptor Omiya Heizo spent seven years making the statue, which was completed in 1776. Made from joined camphorwood, it holds the Kodai Mani Himitsu mudra in both hands. The image survived a fire that destroyed the Main Hall in 1936 and became known as the 'Fire-Surviving Great Buddha,' a focus of prayers for protection from misfortune. Its lost halo was reconstructed in 1976. The statue is not concealed, and visitors can worship it at close range in the hall.
Daikozenji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Kongo Rikishi Guardians (Agyo and Ungyo) Category Tenbu (Deva)
福岡県北九州市小倉南区蒲生2丁目8-6
Visiting Status Viewable at the temple gate through latticework; confirm visiting conditions with the temple in advance
PowerDignityTense Presence
A pair of wooden Kongo Rikishi guardian figures stands at the gate of Daikozenji, a Soto Zen temple in Kokuraminami Ward. Believed to date to the mid-14th century in the early Nanbokucho period, both are assembled from joined pieces of wood and designated tangible cultural properties of Fukuoka Prefecture. Agyo, on the viewer's right, raises his left hand high while holding a vajra; Ungyo, on the left, places his left hand near his waist and clenches his fist. Their powerful bodies and imposing stances preserve the tradition of Kamakura-period guardian sculpture. They can be viewed through the lattice of the historic gate, believed to have been built in 1671.